75% of cases lack independent advocate

MORE than three-quarters of children who are involved in court proceedings do not have their voice heard due to the lack of a specially appointed adviser.

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an independent advocate appointed by the courts in civil cases involving children to look after their best interests.

However, in this country, despite a major Government-commissioned report in 2004 which stated that the “existing situation cannot continue”, there have been no practical changes to create a state-backed service.